C/2012 S1 comet heading toward Earth could outshine Moon in 2013

by Jamie Duffy

From digitaljournal.com.Initial reportssay the orbit of this comet will make its closest (perihelion) approach to the Sun on 28 November, 2013 at a distance of 0.012AU.

"Russian astronomers have discovered a new comet C/2012 S1 hurtling toward Earth. Astronomers say that the comet, a two-mile-wide lump of ice and rock, may be the brightest in history and may shine brighter than the Moon when it passes close to the Earth.

According to Space.com, Vitali Nevski and Artyom Novichonok of the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON) near Kislovodsk, Russia, discovered comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) on 21 September via images taken with a 40-centimeter reflecting telescope.

The International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts confirmed the discovery and announced it on 24 September."